The Indian team managed to defeat a full-strength England side 3-2 in the T20I series. The fact that India lacked their frontline bowlers yet managed to beat the number one ranked speaks volumes about their depth. India dug deep to come out trumps against England.

They ticked off all boxes except for one department. Their spinners were found wanting in home conditions. It is such a rarity that Indian spinners get out bowled by touring counterparts. None of the Indian spinners managed to strike an impression in these outings. India will be keen to try other options before finalising their squad for the T20I World Cup scheduled in India later this year.

StumpsandBails believes India could choose from these 5 backup spinning options for the T20I World Cup.:

#5 Rahul Chahar

Rahul Chahar has been a Mumbai Indians constant for the past 4 years. His quick arm action provides him with the extra skid and makes his google dangerous. He bowls at a flatter trajectory and at a good pace that restricts the batsmen from advancing down the track. Chahar might be a good option to consider against teams who don’t play spin well.

#4 Axar Patel

Axar Patel is a like-to-like backup for Ravindra Jadeja. His bowling arguably is better as compared to Jadeja. Patel has 80 IPL wickets to his credit and his economy rate is a superb 7.3. In the 12 matches where he has represented India, Patel has conceded runs at just 6.88 per over.

#3 Rahul Tewatia

Rahul Tewatia had a great season with Rajasthan Royals. He was their saviour with both bat and the ball. Tewatia’s economy rate in the IPL is an impressive 7.13. His economy rate (7.06) in domestic cricket is even better. Tewatia’s strike rate is 134.6 in the IPL and 150.5 in domestic competitions. He could be a great asset to the side in the World Cup.

#2 Varun Chakravarthy

Varun Chakravarthy had a stellar IPL 2020. He picked up 18 wickets in 14 games at an economy rate of 7.11. Teams couldn’t figure out Chakravarthy at all. He went on to grab the only fifer last season against Delhi Capitals. He was called upon to be part of India’s T20I squad to Australia. Unfortunately, he suffered a shoulder injury and was ruled out. If he retains his fitness an India call-up isn’t far away.

#1 Ravichandran Ashwin

The India-England limited-overs series has brought back the spotlight on Ravichandran Ashwin. He was the Man of the Series in the Tests against England. Ashwin had a brilliant IPL 2020 playing for Delhi Capitals. He consistently prized out oppositions’ best players. His skill was there for everyone to see. Ashwin’s economy rate of 6.97 in T20I’s and 6.87 in the IPL is right there among the very best. It’s time he found his place back in the national team.